Category
Poster - Theoretical Proposal
Description
Wildfires are natural or anthropogenic disturbances that can change the structure of ecosystems. Although plant resilience and recovery have been studied extensively in fire-dependent ecosystems, impacts on mammal and herpetological activity in temperate deciduous forests are an understudied facet of wildfire disturbance. This study aims to investigate the aftermath of the recent Matt’s Creek wildfire on mammal, amphibian, and reptile diversity by employing trail cameras and conducting opportunistic field surveys. Trail cameras will be strategically positioned along a transect of deer trails from the burnt area to unburnt regions outside the affected area. The cameras aim to capture post-wildfire animal activity, providing insights into the response and movement patterns of various mammal, amphibian, and reptile species. Complementing the trail camera approach, field surveys will be conducted during camera installation and retrieval. Researchers will actively search for amphibians and reptiles by flipping over cover objects in designated areas around trail camera sites. We expect to find that animal diversity will increase farther away from the affected area and the effects on mammals will be proportional to the effects on herpetofauna. The findings will contribute to a broader comprehension of species' adaptive strategies and resilience in the face of ecological disturbances. Ultimately, this research will inform conservation strategies and management practices aimed at safeguarding biodiversity in fire-affected landscapes.
A survey of animal diversity in a transect of post-fire deciduous forest
Poster - Theoretical Proposal
Wildfires are natural or anthropogenic disturbances that can change the structure of ecosystems. Although plant resilience and recovery have been studied extensively in fire-dependent ecosystems, impacts on mammal and herpetological activity in temperate deciduous forests are an understudied facet of wildfire disturbance. This study aims to investigate the aftermath of the recent Matt’s Creek wildfire on mammal, amphibian, and reptile diversity by employing trail cameras and conducting opportunistic field surveys. Trail cameras will be strategically positioned along a transect of deer trails from the burnt area to unburnt regions outside the affected area. The cameras aim to capture post-wildfire animal activity, providing insights into the response and movement patterns of various mammal, amphibian, and reptile species. Complementing the trail camera approach, field surveys will be conducted during camera installation and retrieval. Researchers will actively search for amphibians and reptiles by flipping over cover objects in designated areas around trail camera sites. We expect to find that animal diversity will increase farther away from the affected area and the effects on mammals will be proportional to the effects on herpetofauna. The findings will contribute to a broader comprehension of species' adaptive strategies and resilience in the face of ecological disturbances. Ultimately, this research will inform conservation strategies and management practices aimed at safeguarding biodiversity in fire-affected landscapes.
Comments
Undergraduate